The Springfield School District plans to hire six to eight off-duty police officers to boost security for graduation ceremonies Saturday at the Prairie Capital Convention Center.

Rick Sanders, director of school support, said the extra security is being hired for precautionary reasons to ensure things run smoothly.

Saturday’s graduations coincide with the SOHO Music Festival, which attracts thousands of people downtown, Sanders noted.

“It’s just kind of a situation where we want to take every precaution and make sure nothing keeps students from enjoying their graduation,” he said.

Sanders said the off-duty police officers will paid a flat fee of $25 per hour and work all three commencement ceremonies.

The officers will be stationed at the two entrances, outside to monitor any activity and on the main floor of the convention center. The setup will be similar to what currently happens at the city basketball tournament, he said.

Sanders said he expects the district to continue to hire off-duty officers for future graduations.